Golf club cleaning device and associated storage device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of golf club cleaning devices. Additionally, the present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of flag portions for a golf club cleaning device. The storage devices of the present invention provide an efficient mechanism for transporting and storing the golf club cleaning devices and the flag portions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present non-provisional patent application is a continuation-in-partof co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/119,764, entitled“GOLF CLUB CLEANING DEVICE,” filed on May 13, 2008, which is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/656,698, entitled “GOLF CLUB CLEANING DEVICE,” filed on Jan. 23,2007, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/761,176, entitled “GOLF CLUB CLEANING DEVICE,” filedon Jan. 23, 2006, both of which are incorporated in-full by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the sporting goods and golfequipment fields. More specifically, the present invention relates to astorage device for a golf club cleaning device that includes a cleaningportion including one or more cleaning surfaces/materials; a flagportion disposed at a first end of the cleaning portion; and a spikeportion disposed at a second end of the cleaning portion substantiallyopposite the first end of the cleaning portion. By grasping the flagportion, the spike portion is selectively disposed in the ground at apredetermined location associated with a golf course, practice range, orthe like, thereby allowing a player to clean his/her golf club byselectively running the front face and/or rear face of the golf clubhorizontally and/or vertically across the one or more cleaningsurfaces/materials of the cleaning portion. Advantageously, the flagportion optionally incorporates an advertising logo and/or informationaltext.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of golf club cleaning devices are known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. These include the golf club cleaning devices disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,938,296; 6,216,305; 6,021,537; 5,940,918; 5,908,254;5,878,460; 5,819,355; 5,787,539; 5,742,965; 5,732,435; 5,560,066;5,533,225; 5,203,048; 5,155,883; 4,965,906; 4,958,396; 4,951,339;4,944,063; 4,872,232; 4,821,358; 4,734,953; 4,541,138; 4,472,581;4,464,072; 4,384,384; and 3,950,810, among others.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,296, issued to Scheuermann on Sep. 6, 2005,discloses a portable golf club washer which has a first golf iron brushthat has a bristle side. A second golf iron brush has a bristle side.The second golf iron brush and the first golf iron brush are connectedto end plates so that the second golf iron brush bristle side faces thefirst golf iron brush bristle side. A golf wood brush has a bristleside. The golf wood brush is connected to the second golf iron brush.The golf wood brush bristle side faces away from the second golf ironbrush bristle side. A handle is connected to the first golf iron brush.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,305, issued to Joh on Aug. 17, 2001, discloses awashing apparatus for golfers, which comprises: a flexible container forcontaining washing liquid and for receiving objects to be washedtherein, a handle connected to the container for manipulating same; anda support mechanism for suspending the container and the handle from agolf bag and for restricting movement of the container relative to thegolf bag when suspended therefrom. The container includes an accessopening defined therein through which objects such as golf club headsmay be inserted, a closure for selectively sealing the opening, at leastone flap extending away from the closure, a brush disposed within saidcontainer for scrubbing against objects inserted into the containerduring a washing operation, and (optionally) a baffle for bafflingmovement of the washing liquid toward the opening after the liquid isplaced in the container. The handle is operatively connected to thecontainer flap. The support mechanism includes a clip member forsuspending the handle from a rim of a golf bag and which normally urgesthe container toward the golf bag when suspended therefrom to restrictmovement of the container, while the support mechanism may optionallyinclude a pouch in which said container is disposed and whichoperatively cooperates with the clip member to restrict movement of thecontainer. When the pouch is used, the handle is also connected to saidpouch. The several components of the washing apparatus are preferablyseparable from each other for cleaning, storage, selective replacement,etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,537, issued to Smith on Feb. 8, 2000, discloses acleaning apparatus for golf balls and golf club heads which has a baseportion that houses a motor, the base portion being adapter to removablyengage a receiver housing containing a rotatably mounted brush. Themotor removably and operably engages the brush through a plurality ofgears that are brought into operable engagement when the receiverhousing removably engages the base portion. The receiver housing is thenfilled with cleaning fluid and the user can wash his clubs in thecleaning fluid by holding the clubs against the brush as the motorcauses the brush to rotate. A golf ball cassette filled with dirty golfballs can also be inserted into the receiver housing. The rotation ofthe brush drives the dirty golf balls in a circular pattern, causingthem to be cleaned by top and bottom ball wash brushes of the golf ballcleaning cassette.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,918, issued to Binette on Aug. 24, 1999, discloses,in an apparatus for cleaning a golf club head, a brush having aplurality of bristles that is rotatably mounted on a housing. Within thehousing are two lateral support surfaces spaced apart from each otherand defining a channel therebetween for receiving and retaining the golfclub head. The bristles of the brush define an arcuate path of movementextending along at least a portion of the channel, and thus the bristlesengage the face of the club received within the channel. As the brushrotates it removes dirt and other debris from the face of the club.Preferably, there is also a brush-engaging surface, such as a ledge,which projects into the arcuate path of movement of the bristles. Thebrush-engaging surface engages the bristles upon rotation of the brush,thereby dislodging dirt and other debris from the bristles.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,254, issued to Anderson on Jun. 1, 1999, discloses aclub mate apparatus including a container that has a bottom wall, a topedge and a peripheral wall. The top edge has an eyelet integraltherewith. A top wall has an opening therethrough. A pair of resilientclamps is attached to the top wall of the container. A brush member isincluded and has an elongated handle and a head portion with a bristlearrangement. A ridge disk member is integral the handle and spaced froma handle end. Finally, a ring seal is positioned around the disk member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,460, issued to Bruce on Mar. 9, 1999, discloses agolf iron brush designed to clean all golf club irons of loose andembedded debris is provided. The device comprises a housing with top andbottom openings and a front slot extending from top to bottom. Thehousing has interior opposing brushes which define a central gap throughwhich a golf club iron head is swiped. The housing allows the club headto be passed through, in horizontal alignment of the club shaft, in thedirection of the control grooves on the face of the club. This allowsthe brushes to clean within the grooves for a thorough cleaning.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,355, issued to Wu on Oct. 13, 1998, discloses a clubhead brush having a first bristle holder and a second bristle holder atone end of the body thereof, the first bristle holder and the secondbristle holder holding bundles of bristles of different softness forcleaning golf club heads, and a pick coupled to a sliding switch at anopposite end of the body and used for removing dirt from scoring linesand grooves on golf club heads, the pick being moved in and out of athrough hole at the rear end of the club head brush when the slidingswitch is moved along a longitudinal sliding slot on the body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,539, issued to Nussbaum on Aug. 4, 1998, discloses ahand held golf club cleaner that utilizes a common plunger to applypower to a motor that rotates a cleaning brush, and to pump a cleaningfluid from a reservoir inside the golf club cleaner onto the golf clubhead. A set of gears reduces the speed of brush rotation from the speedof the motor to provide greater brush rotational torque.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,965, issued to Leask on Apr. 28, 1998, discloses acoin-operated golf club cleaner cabinet. Behind an access port in thefront of the cabinet is mounted a structural housing comprising arectangular box frame for supporting two pairs of cup-type brushes,positioned facing and in-line with a gap between them for receiving agolf club head. The first pair of brushes has aggressive bristles andforms a narrow gap between the facing brushes for cleaning irons, thesecond pair having softer bristles and a wider gap for cleaning woods.The housing has two small front curtained ports for permitting clubaccess to the appropriate brush gap. Three in-line shafts provide twopairs of facing shaft ends upon which are mounted the two pairs ofbrushes. A line shaft and electric drive provide speed reduction to thethree in-line shafts. For convenient access of the brushes foradjustment and maintenance purposes, the housing can be pivoted withinthe cabinet to present its substantially open base to the cabinet'saccess port. Cleaning fluids are circulated from a tank located beneaththe housing and up to the brushes. The tank is mounted on rails forready access and removal outside the side of the cabinet. Acoin-operated duration time provides convenient actuation of the brushdrive motor and pump.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,435, issued to Williams et al. on Mar. 31, 1998,discloses a device for cleaning golf-club heads comprises a receptaclefor containing cleaning solution open at its upper end for receiving agolf-club head to be cleaned, and at least one brush mounted within thereceptacle for engagement with the club head. An extension of a baseportion projects outwardly of the device a sufficient distance toreceive at least a portion of a user's foot thereon to stabilize thecleaning device when supported in an upright position on a horizontalsurface. A handle may be formed on the base portion extension forconveniently lifting and transporting or for storing and draining thecleaning device. A cap may be provided for closing the upper end of thereceptacle to prevent loss of cleaning liquid during transportation andhandling of the cleaning device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,066, issued to McDivitt on Oct. 1, 1996, discloses aportable golf club cleaner has a rotatable brush and a recirculatingpump powered by a power supply, and an activation switch such thatwhenever a club face comes in contact with the rotatable brush, a motorrotates the brush while the recirculating pump provides a cleansingspray of cleaning solution to the club face. Furthermore, the portablegolf club cleaner is constructed such that the cleaning solution isrecirculated through a filter and into a reservoir so as to effectivelyclean golf club faces for an entire round of golf. The portable golfclub cleaner also has a detachable front cover so that the club face oflarger clubs, such as woods and drivers can also be cleaned withoutdifficulty.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,225, issued to Ellis on Jul. 9, 1996, discloses animproved heavy-duty soft plastic golf club washer having the design ofan old fashioned bath tub with a protected opening at the sloped frontend large enough to accommodate all sizes of golf club heads. Stabilizedinside tub are three identical soft plastic brushes each with twoslotted openings in their base to allow passage of sediment into sump.The brushes are stabilized inside tub by means of brush locks middle,and brush locks rear, and also by the bottom horizontal brush base. Aremovable lid with front opening and an open groove to allow movement ofgolf club shafts. Tub has two rear support flanges designed to fit astandard 4″ times 4″ post, over which the squared opening at rear of lidalso fits to cover tub. A rectangular lock plate fits over rear of lidand locks lid to post with two bolts and two spring type cotter pins.The lid locks with tub by means of interlocking lips and interlockinglips on tub. Each side of tub has a drain opening hole to maintaincorrect water level.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,048, issued to Bynum on Apr. 20, 1996, discloses agolf club head brush for cleaning a golf club head comprises arelatively flat, generally-rectangular, handle having opposite brush andnon-brush sides bounded by shaft, head, thumb and finger edges, withbrush bristles mounted on the brush side directed outwardly away fromthe handle. The handle is constructed of a resilient material so as tobe bendable. The brush and non-brush sides have thegenerally-rectangular shape, but include a thumb protrusion at the thumbedge with bristles thereon. The shaft edge includes an outwardly flaringshaft slot therein for receiving a shaft when the bristles are used toclean a golf club head.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,155,883, issued to Legault on Oct. 20, 1992, discloses adevice for selectively cleaning the head of a golf club or for cleaningthe surface of a golf ball, including a housing having a cleaningchamber formed therein, a pair of brush members being mounted in thehousing for counterrotation, each of the brush members being mounted onseparate shafts that are disposed in the housing in spaced parallelrelation so that the bristles of the brush members are disposed inoverlapping relation with respect to each other, the head of a golf clubbeing insertable into the chamber for location of the face of the clubin engaging relation with the bristles of the brush members, the chamberhaving a liquid contained therein and the counterrotating movement ofthe brush members creating movement of the liquid in the chamber betweenthe brush members, wherein the movement of the liquid cooperates withthe movement of the brush members to effectively clean the club head asdisposed therebetween, and a top member having a ball receiving tubejoined thereto, the top member being removably mounted on the housingand receiving a ball therein for engagement with the bristles of thebrush members, and means for rotating the brush members to selectivelyclean either the face of the club in engagement therewith or the surfaceof the ball as disposed in engaging relation therewith.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,906, issued to Mauro on Oct. 30, 1990, discloses acombination golf ball and golf club head cleaner that is mounted to thefender of a golf cart or to a conveniently located post. The deviceincludes a water-tight housing member having a first brush-linedcylindrical chamber for cleaning a golf ball and a second brush-linedparallelepiped chamber for cleaning a club head. A ball holder thatretains a ball while allowing it to rotate when scrubbed is mounted forreciprocation along its vertical axis in the ball cleaning chamber.Brushes lining the first chamber scrub the ball and rotate it as theholder is reciprocated. The chambers are in fluid communication with oneanother so that removal of a single plug drains both chambers.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,396, issued to Butler et al. on Sep. 25, 1990,discloses a golf ball and golf club cleaning device uniquely suited tothe task of cleaning golf balls and golf clubs with wood or metal headsof either left-handed or right-handed configuration. This device employsa rotating segment brush assembly, lifted by cam action, to work aboutits x and y axes simultaneously; and further, this device provides aspring-biased club head receiver, assuring positive club head placementand brush contact. A ball carrier slide extending vertically from thehousing lid provides proper ball insertion, cleaning and removal.Additionally, size and configuration of this device are compatible toeither stationary mounting, or mounting to a motorized vehicle fortransporting players about a golf course.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,339, issued to Braun on Aug. 28, 1990, discloses amotor powered cleaning assembly for the washing of golf club headsincluding a housing having a power brush rotatably mounted thereon and aremovable cleaning fluid containing tray disposed in substantiallyenclosing relation to the brush wherein the housing and the tray arecooperatively structured for the removable placement and manipulation ofthe club head therein into a plurality of engaging positions with therotary brush so as to clean opposite sides thereof as well as thestriking face on both left and right-handed clubs.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,063, issued to Jordan on Jul. 31, 1990, discloses anapparatus that can be attached to a golf cart or the like for washingthe face of a golf club. The iron club is placed within an openingformed in the top of the golf club washer. With one hand holding theclub steady, the other hand holds the upper part of a brush handle whichprotrudes out of the top of the golf club washer. The brush is movedwith an up-and-down motion causing the brush to clean the face of theiron club. After several up-and-down motions, the cleaned club isremoved from the golf club washer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,232, issued to Stiasny on Oct. 10, 1989, discloses aportable golf club head cleaner includes a body having a location forreceiving a golf club head and a reservoir for holding a liquid. A brushfor cleaning the golf club head includes means for moveably mounting thebrush within the body, adjacent the location. Pumping means pump liquidfrom the reservoir onto the brush on operation of manually operablemeans which simultaneously pumps the pumping means and moves the brushto clean a golf club head at the location. The brush may move in areciprocal manner or may be cylindrical in shape and move by rotationabout its axis. The pumping means can include a piston within thereservoir moveable between an upper and lower position and a shafthaving an internal tube connecting the piston to the manually operablemeans. The manually operable means moves in a reciprocal manner toreciprocate the shaft and piston forcing liquid from the reservoir intothe tube on downward stroke of the piston. The liquid travels up thetube and is expressed onto the brush. The brush may be attached to theshaft for reciprocal movement therewith.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,358, issued to Wyckoff et al. on Apr. 18, 1989,discloses a golf club head washing device, suitable for attachment to agolf cart or for mounting on posts at various locations on a golfcourse, includes a cylindrical housing for holding a cleaning fluid. Thehousing has guide rails located in it for supporting a pair of plasticbrush blocks, with the brushes thereof facing one another across adiameter of the housing. A removable cover is releasably attached to thetop of the housing; and the cover has an elongated slot in it, which isaligned with the space between the brush blocks. The brush blocks havetapered flanges on the opposing edges for engagement between guide railson the inside of the housing to permit the blocks to be easily insertedand then wedged in place within the housing. When the brushes wear out,the blocks are removed by lifting them out of the housing. Then they arereplaced with new blocks.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,953, issued to Dodson on Apr. 5, 1989, discloses adual brush assembly specifically designed for cleaning both iron andwood type golf club heads. A small housing structure is provided andwithin that housing structure a pair of brushes is movably mounted. Onebrush is a relatively hard brush designed for brushing and cleaning thehead of an iron type golf club. The other brush is a relatively softbrush and specifically designed for cleaning the head of a wood typegolf club.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,138, issued to Dodson on Sep. 17, 1985, discloses agolf club head cleaning machine that uses two pairs of cylindricalbrushes—one pair for the irons, the other for woods. The brushes of eachpair operate in close proximity and the cleaning is done in the areas ofproximity. In these areas the bristles of the brushes move in oppositedirections in order to reduce the structural loads on the joints betweenthe heads and clubs. The brushes for the woods are accessible through anopening in the lower front of the machine and operate dry. The brushesfor the irons are wetted and are accessible through a curtained slotwhich lies essentially in a horizontal plane and extends across thefront and part way back on each side of the machine. This slot allowsthe club heads to be moved through the passage from one side of themachine to the other and therefore allows for using a conveyor to movethe clubs through the machine. The curtains in the opening and slotprevent escape of debris and the cleaning liquid. The brushes for theirons mounted one above the other, are parallel to each other and to thefront of the machine and are in a plane which is at an angle to theessentially horizontal plane of the passage such that the upper brush iscloser to the back of the machine. The preferred angle is approximately60 degrees. The brushes for the woods are also parallel to each otherand to the front of the machine and are in a plane which is about 10degrees out of vertical with the upper brush farther from the back ofthe machine.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,581, issued to Dodson on Sep. 25, 1984, discloses awashing device for automatically brushing and applying cleaning fluid toa soiled implement such as a golf club. The device has a cylindricalrotating brush, cleaning nozzles for directing jets of cleaning fluidaxially along the peripheral surface of the rotating brush, and hoodmeans enclosing at least one end of the brush to capture the undeviatedportion of the cleaning jet. Portions of the cleaning jet and brush areexposed while the device is in use, permitting the progress of cleaningto be determined without interruption. In a preferred mode of theinvention the axis of rotation of the brush is vertical, the jets ofwater are directed vertically upward, and the brush is driven by aturbine powered by the same water supply that provides cleaning fluid. Aself-draining basin formed integrally with the hood can be disposedabout the cleaning area. The cleaning jets are preferably taken from thehousing of the turbine, and are formed by nozzles comprising holes inthe upper portion of the turbine housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,072, issued to Norwell on Aug. 7, 1984, discloses acleaning device, particularly adapted for releasable attachment to agolf bag, to enable rapid and complete cleaning of golf clubs duringplay. The device preferably comprises a liquid container having a liquidspray means positioned therein; a retaining means which includes asleeve for holding the container, a clip means for attaching to the topof the golf bag, and a support release; and a brush means. Lobes on therear of the container engage the upper beaded edge of the wall of thegolf bag preventing accidental displacement from the bag. Outwardlyprojecting portions on the sleeve conform to the rounded exterior of thebag and provide a fulcrum permitting the lobes to be pivoted away fromthe beaded edge by pressing against lower portion of the supportrelease. By this arrangement, the whole device is securely fastened tothe golf bag during normal play and club cleaning, and yet easy removalof the container and the associated brush and spray are permitted whenrequired.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,384, issued to Trojohn on May 24, 1983, discloses anefficient, durable and inexpensive golf club cleaner that comprises apair of superimposed and connected plate-like brush-supporting memberswherein one plate-like member is provided with a large centrallydisposed rectangular recess and the other, which is substantiallysmaller, is provided with a registering central opening which is definedby a frame-like recess in the smaller plate-like member which is adaptedto overlie and secure the edges of the back of a rectangular brush thatis disposed in the aforementioned recess with the bristles of the brushextending through and projecting from the aforementioned opening. Meansare provided for securing the smaller plate-like member to the largerplate-like member when the former is in assembled position; and alsomeans for firmly attaching the larger plate-like member to a suitablesupport.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,810, issued to Harkess on Apr. 20, 1976, discloses agolf club cleaning apparatus that is capable of cleaning bothright-handed and left-handed irons and woods and is also capable ofcleaning the faces and the bottom of irons as well as the front drivingface and sole plate of woods. A first opening into the apparatus isprovided for right-handed clubs, and a second opening is provided forleft-handed clubs, with each opening being designed to accept either awood or an iron for cleaning of the same. The overall appearance of theapparatus resembles a golf ball sitting on a tee, with the upper portionbeing at least partially filled with a cleaning or washing liquid. Agolf club is held in place after insertion through one of the openingsinto the device, with the bottom and back in contact with a receivingtray. Cleaning of the club head is effected by rotating a semisphericalbrush connected with an externally extending crank, with the brush beingat least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid and maintained tocontact with the front face of the club by a spring bias on thereceiving tray urging the club front face in a horizontal directiontoward the brush. The inlet openings into the apparatus are angularlyspaced from the top of the apparatus so that a club insertedtherethrough will have predetermined positioning with respect to thebrushes within the apparatus to enhance club cleaning. In addition, aseparate compartment is divided to accommodate foreign matter dislodgedfrom club heads during cleaning, and this minimizes club damage duringsubsequent club cleaning operations.

None of the golf club cleaning devices known to those of ordinary skillin the art, however, provide the desired ease of manufacture; themultiple cleaning surfaces, the ability to be selectively disposed inthe ground at a predetermined location associated with a golf course,practice range, or the like; the ease of use; the ability to be cleanedand/or partially replaced; the ability to provide advertising and/orinformation, etc. The golf club cleaning device of the present inventionfulfills these needs, among others.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of golfclub cleaning devices. Additionally, the present invention provides astorage device for a plurality of flag portions for a golf club cleaningdevice. The storage devices of the present invention provide anefficient mechanism for transporting and storing the golf club cleaningdevices and the flag portions.

In an exemplary embodiment, a storage device for a plurality of golfclub cleaning devices includes a top portion including a first pluralityof openings; a bottom portion including a second plurality of openings;and means for connecting the top portion and the bottom portion; whereinthe first plurality of openings are sized to receive a spike portion ofone of the plurality of golf club cleaning devices; and wherein thesecond plurality of openings are sized to receive a tapering tip portionof one of the plurality of golf club cleaning devices. The storagedevice further includes a handle. Optionally, the handle is shaped toreceive a tool, wherein the tool is for installing each of the pluralityof golf club cleaning devices into the ground. Alternatively, thestorage device further includes a cover. The cover can include a covertop portion including a handle; and a cover bottom portion including aplurality of latches operable to lock into a plurality of locks on thecover top portion; wherein the cover top portion is sized to fit overthe top portion, and wherein the cover bottom portion is configured toreceive the bottom portion of the storage device.

Optionally, the means for connecting includes a plurality of rods, eachof the plurality of rods include metal, and wherein each of theplurality of rods are screwed into the top portion and the bottomportion. Alternatively, the top portion and the bottom portion includeplastic. Each of the first plurality of openings and the secondplurality of openings can be operable to provide drainage. Optionally,each of the plurality of golf club cleaning devices include a cleaningportion including one or more cleaning surfaces disposed concentricallyabout a central axis; a flag portion disposed at the top end of thecleaning portion, the flag portion including a gripping means whereinthe portable golf club cleaning device is gripped; and the spike portiondisposed at a bottom end of the cleaning portion substantially oppositethe top end of the cleaning portion, the spike portion including asupport means for supporting the portable golf club cleaning device inan upright manner when depressed into the ground, and wherein thetapering tip portion is disposed on the spike portion. The cleaningportion can include one of a substantially-conical shaped cleaningportion and a substantially-tapered cleaning portion. The one or morecleaning surfaces can include one or more of natural bristles, syntheticbristles, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, matting materials, weaves,and fabric. The one or more cleaning surfaces include a majority of thevolume of the cleaning portion.

The flag portion includes one of a substantially-two-dimensional flagportion having an associated length dimension that is substantiallygreater than an associated width dimension and asubstantially-three-dimensional flag portion having the associatedlength dimension that is substantially equal to the associated widthdimension. Optionally, the spike portion further includes a collarportion operable to rest on one of the first plurality of openings. Thetool can include a handle; a guide spike selectively coupled to thehandle; and a hammer attached to the handle.

In another exemplary embodiment, a storage device for a plurality offlag portions, each of the plurality of flag portions is operable toattach to a top end of a cleaning portion of a golf club cleaningdevice, includes a flat portion including a plurality of rods; and ahandle disposed to the flat portion; wherein each of the plurality ofrods is sized to receive a threaded portion of one of the plurality offlag portions; and wherein each of the plurality of flag portions flagportion including a gripping means wherein the golf club cleaning deviceis gripped. Each of the plurality of flag portions further includes acollar portion. Each of the plurality of flag portions can include asurface configured to receive one or more of an advertising logo andinformational text thereon.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of thepresent invention in order that the detailed description that followsmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described and which will form the subject matterof the claims. In this respect, before explaining at least oneembodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed are for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description of an exemplaryembodiment which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with referenceto the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote likecomponents/parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a planar side view illustrating one exemplary embodiment ofthe golf club cleaning device of the present invention, the golf clubcleaning device including a substantially-spherical cleaning portionconsisting of a plurality of cleaning surfaces/materials, among otherfeatures;

FIG. 2 is a planar side view illustrating another exemplary embodimentof the golf club cleaning device of the present invention, the golf clubcleaning device including a substantially-cylindrical cleaning portionconsisting of a plurality of cleaning surfaces/materials, among otherfeatures;

FIG. 3 is a planar side view illustrating a further exemplary embodimentof the golf club cleaning device of the present invention, the golf clubcleaning device including a substantially-spherical cleaning portionconsisting of a plurality of cleaning surfaces/materials, among otherfeatures;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating one exemplaryembodiment of the golf club cleaning device of FIG. 1, the golf clubcleaning device incorporating a threaded flag portion and spike portion,among other features;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating one exemplaryembodiment of the golf club cleaning device of FIG. 2, the golf clubcleaning device incorporating a threaded flag portion and spike portion,among other features;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating another exemplaryembodiment of the golf club cleaning device of FIG. 1, the golf clubcleaning device incorporating an integrally-formed flag portion andspike portion, among other features;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating another exemplaryembodiment of the golf club cleaning device of FIG. 2, the golf clubcleaning device incorporating an integrally-formed flag portion andspike portion, wherein the substantially-cylindrical cleaning portion issubstantially hollow, among other features;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view (with accompanying cross-sectionalend view) illustrating a further exemplary embodiment of the golf clubcleaning device of the present invention, the golf club cleaning deviceincorporating concentrically-arranged alternating bristles or the like;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view (with accompanying cross-sectionalend view) illustrating a still further exemplary embodiment of the golfclub cleaning device of the present invention, the golf club cleaningdevice incorporating concentrically-arranged alternating bristles or thelike and a fluid dispensation system;

FIG. 10 is a planar side view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of atool for installing the golf club cleaning device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a storage device for holding a pluralityof golf club cleaning devices according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, the storage device illustrated without golf clubcleaning devices engaged;

FIG. 12 is another view illustrating a storage device for holding aplurality of golf club cleaning devices according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, the storage device illustrated withgolf club cleaning devices engaged;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a storage device for holding a pluralityof golf club cleaning devices according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a storage device for holding a pluralityof golf club cleaning devices according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, the storage device engaging a tool for installingthe golf club cleaning device;

FIG. 15 is another view illustrating a storage device for holding aplurality of golf club cleaning devices according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, the storage device engaging a toolfor installing the golf club cleaning device;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a storage device for holding a pluralityof golf club cleaning devices and a cover for the storage deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a storage device for holding a pluralityof flag portions according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a storage device for holding a pluralityof flag portions and a cover for the storage device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the disclosed embodiments of the present invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the particular arrangement shown since theinvention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in various exemplary embodiments, the presentinvention provides a golf club cleaning device 10 that includes acleaning portion 12, including an upper cleaning surface 16; a lowercleaning surface 14; a flag portion 18 disposed at a first end of thecleaning portion 12; and a spike portion 20 disposed at a second end ofthe cleaning portion 12 substantially opposite the first end of thecleaning portion 12. In various alternative embodiments (see FIGS. 8 and9), concentrically-arranged alternating cleaning surfaces may also beutilized, as opposed to upper and lower cleaning surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning portion12 comprises a substantially-spherical shaped cleaning portion. Thecleaning portion 12 has a diameter on the order of several inches,although other suitable dimensions may be utilized. Referring to FIG. 2,in another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning portion 12 comprises asubstantially-cylindrical shaped cleaning portion. Again, the cleaningportion 12 has a diameter and/or height on the order of several inches,although other suitable dimensions may be utilized. It should be notedthat, although a substantially-spherical shaped cleaning portion isillustrated in FIG. 1 and a substantially-cylindrical shaped cleaningportion is illustrated in FIG. 2, the cleaning portion 12 may utilizeany suitable shape, as is illustrated in FIG. 3, for example. Othersuitable shapes that may be utilized include conical, partial conical,curved-conical, partial curved-conical, etc.

The upper cleaning surface 16 and the lower cleaning surface 14, orconcentrically-arranged cleaning surfaces (FIGS. 8 and 9), may comprisea majority of a volume of the cleaning portion 12 or, alternatively, thecleaning surfaces 14, 16 are disposed on a surface of the cleaningportion 12. These two alternatives are illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, whichillustrate upper cleaning surface 16 and the lower cleaning surface 14comprising a majority of a volume of the cleaning portion 12, and FIG.7, which illustrates the upper cleaning surface 16 and the lowercleaning surface 14 being disposed on a surface of the cleaning portion12.

Preferably, the upper cleaning surface 16 and the lower cleaning surface14, or concentrically-arranged cleaning surfaces (FIGS. 8 and 9),consist of one or more natural bristles, synthetic bristles, naturalfibers, synthetic fibers, matting materials, weaves, and/or fabrics.However, other suitable materials may be utilized. It should be notedthat, although FIGS. 1-7 illustrate the upper cleaning surface 16 andthe lower cleaning surface 14 (with, for example, natural bristles beingused on the bottom 14 and fabric used on the top 16), one or multiplematerials may be used, and the cleaning portion may have more than twocleaning surfaces.

The flag portion 18 consists of one of a substantially-two-dimensionalflag portion having an associated length/width dimension that issubstantially greater than an associated width/length dimension and asubstantially-three-dimensional flag portion (cap portion) having theassociated length dimension that is substantially equal to theassociated width dimension. The flag portion 18 has a length, width,and/or diameter on the order of a fraction of an inch to several inches,although other suitable dimensions may be utilized. Preferably, thespike portion 20 includes a tapering tip portion 22. The spike portion20 has a length, width, and/or diameter on the order of a fraction of aninch to several inches, although other suitable dimensions may beutilized. Each tapering tip portion 22 may include multipleanti-rotation fins, ridges, or other structures. Optionally, the spikeportion 20 includes multiple tapering tip portions 22.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one exemplary embodiment, the flagportion 18 includes a threaded portion 24 that is configured to engage acorresponding threaded portion of the cleaning portion 12. Likewise, thespike portion 20 includes a threaded portion 26 that is configured toengage a corresponding threaded portion of the cleaning portion 12.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in another exemplary embodiment, the flagportion 18 and the spike portion 20 are integrally formed and include ashaft portion 28 disposed therebetween, the shaft portion 28 selectivelydisposed through a channel disposed along a vertical axis runningthrough the cleaning portion 12 from the first end of the cleaningportion 12 to the second end of the cleaning portion 12. The shaftportion 28 and the channel are each keyed such that, when the shaftportion 28 is disposed through the channel, the shaft portion 28 doesnot rotate with respect to the channel or, alternatively, the shaftportion 28 and the channel are each shaped (octagonal, square,triangular, etc.) such that, when the shaft portion 28 is disposedthrough the channel, the shaft portion 28 does not rotate with respectto the channel. Other suitable anti-rotational mechanisms may also beutilized.

Optionally, the flag portion 18 (FIGS. 6 and 7) further includes acollar portion 30. Likewise, the spike portion 20 (FIGS. 1-5) furtherincludes a collar portion 32. Preferably, the flag portion 18 and thespike portion 20 each consist of one of a metal, a hardened plastic, anda composite material, although other suitable materials may be utilized.The flag portion 18 includes a surface 34 configured to receive one ormore of an advertising logo and informational text 36 thereon.

Optionally, the flag portion 18 and the spike portion 20 are selectively“golf tee” shaped. This is illustrated in FIG. 3. The “golf tee” shapeis familiar to the golfer and accordingly provides ease of use.

A method for manufacturing the golf club cleaning device is alsocontemplated herein. The method includes: providing a cleaning portioncomprising an upper cleaning surface and a lower cleaning surface;providing a flag portion disposed at the top end of the cleaningportion, the flag portion comprising a gripping means wherein theportable golf club cleaning device is gripped; providing a spike portiondisposed at a bottom end of the cleaning portion substantially oppositethe top end of the cleaning portion, the spike portion comprising asupport means for supporting the portable golf club cleaning device inan upright manner when depressed into the ground; securing the flagportion to the cleaning portion; and securing the spike portion to thecleaning portion. Optionally, the flag portion, cleaning portion, andspike portion are integrally formed.

By grasping the flag portion 18, the spike portion 20 is selectivelydisposed in the ground 38 at a predetermined location associated with agolf course, practice range, or the like, thereby allowing a player toclean his/her golf club by selectively running the front face and/orrear face of the golf club horizontally and/or vertically across theupper cleaning surface 16 and the lower cleaning surface 14 of thecleaning portion 12. Advantageously, the flag portion 18 may incorporatean advertising logo and/or informational text 36.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a further exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the cleaning portion 12 includes a central bore 50 aroundwhich one or more concentrically-arranged cleaning materials, such asone or more types of bristles (having predetermined thicknesses,stiffnesses, softnesses, textures, colors, etc.), are disposed. In theembodiment illustrated, two alternating types of bristles 52 and 54 areprovided.

Referring to FIG. 9, in a still further exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, the cleaning portion 12 again includes a central bore50 around which one or more concentrically-arranged cleaning materials,such as one or more types of bristles (having predetermined thicknesses,stiffnesses, softnesses, textures, colors, etc.), are disposed. In theembodiment illustrated, two alternating types of bristles 52 and 54 areprovided. In this embodiment, however, the central bore 50 includes aplurality of holes therethrough. When the central bore 50 is filled withwater or another cleaning fluid, for example, this cleaning fluid isallowed to gradually seep into the cleaning elements, which consist ofclusters or bristles, for example, and thereby wet the golf club or thelike being cleaning. In this sense, the central bore 50 serves as acleaning fluid reservoir.

Referring to FIG. 10, in one exemplary embodiment, a tool 60 forinstalling the golf club cleaning device 10 (FIGS. 1-9) of the presentinvention includes a handle 62 that it selectively coupled to a guidespike 64. This guide spike 64 is driven into the ground using the handle62. Subsequently, the guide spike 64 is removed from the ground suchthat the golf club cleaning device 10 may be placed. Alternatively, theguide spike 10 may serve as the actual spike portion 20 (FIGS. 1-9) ofthe golf club cleaning device 10. If necessary, the guide spike 64 isdriven into the ground using a hammer 66 attached to the handle 62. Thishammer is replaceable.

Referring to FIGS. 11-16, in various exemplary embodiments, the presentinvention provides a storage device 100 for a plurality of golf clubcleaning devices 10. The storage device 100 includes a top portion 102and a bottom portion 104. The top portion 102 includes a plurality ofopenings 106 each shaped to receive the spike portion 20 from one of theplurality of golf club cleaning devices 10. Each of the plurality ofopenings 106 can be sized smaller than the collar portion 32 on each ofthe plurality of golf club cleaning devices 10. Accordingly, each of theplurality of golf club cleaning devices 10 is configured to fit withineach of the plurality of openings 106 with the collar portion 32configured to stop at the top portion 106.

The bottom portion 104 includes a plurality of openings 108 each shapedto receive and hold the tapering tip portion 22 from one of theplurality of golf club cleaning devices 10. The bottom portion 104 canbe attached to the top portion 106 through four rods 110. In thisexemplary embodiment, the four rods 110 are located at comers of each ofthe top portion 102 and the bottom portion 104. Alternatively, the rods110 can be located anywhere along the portions 102, 104. The rods caninclude steel, iron, plastic, or the like, and can be bolted, screwed,molded, etc. to each of the portions 102, 104. The rods 110 can beintegrated, i.e. molded, within the top portion 102 and the bottomportion 104. Alternatively, the top portion 102 and the bottom portion104 can be molded as one piece with walls connecting each portion 102,104 instead of the rods 110. The portions 102, 104 can include plastic,steel, iron, or the like.

Additionally, the storage device 100 can include a second bottom portion112 without openings. The second bottom portion 112 can be connected tothe top portion 102 and the bottom portion 104 through the rods 110.Alternatively, the second bottom portion 112 can be molded as one piecewith walls connecting each portion 102, 104, 112. The second bottomportion 112 can be placed on the ground without affecting the pluralityof golf club cleaning devices 10 since the bottom portion 104 includesthe plurality of openings 108 through which the tapering tip portion 22fits.

The plurality of openings 106 and the plurality of openings 108 arespaced responsive to the size of the cleaning portion 12 on each of theplurality of golf club cleaning devices 10. In this exemplaryembodiment, the storage device 100 is configured to hold up ten golfclub cleaning devices 10. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize the storage device 100 can be configured to hold differentamounts of golf club cleaning devices 10. Additionally, the plurality ofopenings 106 and the plurality of openings 108 also provide drainage forwater or the like when cleaning the storage device 100. For example, thestorage device 100 can accumulate debris and the like from the pluralityof golf club cleaning devices 10, and can be washed through a hose orthe like.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a storage device 100 is illustratedholding ten golf club cleaning devices 10 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the storage device 100and the ten golf club cleaning devices 10 are shown in a separateconfiguration. In FIG. 12, the storage device 100 is shown with each ofthe ten golf club cleaning devices 10 fit within the plurality ofopenings 106 and held in place via the tapering tip portion 22 at theplurality of openings 108. Advantageously, the storage device 100provides an efficient mechanism to transport and place each of the golfclub cleaning devices 10.

Referring to FIG. 13, a storage device 100 is illustrated with a handle120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the handle 120 is disposed substantially inthe middle of the top portion 102. Alternatively, the handle 120 can bedisposed on the sides, or the like. The handle 120 can be molded intothe top portion 102 or attached through various mechanisms as are knownin the art. The handle 120 is operable to receive a hand from a user.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the storage device 100 is illustrated withthe handle 120 utilized to store the tool 60 along with a plurality ofgolf club cleaning devices 10 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. In FIG. 14, the tool 60 is configured to fit onthe handle 120 such that the hammer 66 portion rests upon the topportion 102 or fits into an opening in the top portion 102 sized toreceive the hammer 66. In FIG. 15, the tool 60 is configured to fit onthe handle 120 such that the hammer 66 portion and handle 62 of the toolare substantially parallel to the top portion 102. Each of the pluralityof golf club cleaning devices 10 can also be stored in the storagedevice 100 along with the tool 60 in both the configurations of FIGS. 14and 15.

Referring to FIG. 16, a cover 200 can be utilized to house the storagedevice 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The cover 200 includes a top portion 202 and a bottom portion204. The top portion 202 is sized to cover the entire storage device 100including a plurality of golf club cleaning devices 10 and the tool 60in the storage device 100. The bottom portion 204 is configured to fitthe bottom portion 104 of the storage device 100. The bottom portion 204includes a plurality of latches 210 which are each configured to lockinto a plurality of locks 212 on the top portion 204. Collectively, thelatches 210 and locks 212 securely close the cover 200.

The storage device 100 can be configured to mount on a golf cart or thelike to allow a user to transport the plurality of golf club cleaningdevices 10. Alternatively, the cover 200 can also mount on a golf cartor the like.

Referring to FIG. 17, in yet another exemplary embodiment, a storagedevice 300 can be utilized to store, carry, etc. a plurality of flagportions 18. The storage device 300 includes a flat portion 302 with aplurality of rods 304. Each of the plurality of rods 304 is sized toreceive a threaded portion 24 of one of the plurality of flag portions18. For example, the rods 304 can include a hollow cylinder in which thethreaded portion 24 rests. Additionally, the storage device 300 includesa handle 306 for carrying the storage device 300. Advantageously, thestorage device 300 allows a user to transport the plurality of flagportions 18. For example, the flag portions 18 can be changed fordifferent events on a golf course or the like.

Referring to FIG. 18, a cover 400 can be utilized to house the storagedevice 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The cover 400 includes a top portion 402 and a bottom portion404. The top portion 402 is sized to cover the entire storage device 300including a plurality of flag portions 18. The bottom portion 404 isconfigured to fit the bottom portion 404 of the storage device 300. Thebottom portion 404 includes a plurality of latches 410 which are eachconfigured to lock into a plurality of locks 412 on the top portion 404.Collectively, the latches 410 and locks 412 securely close the cover400.

Although the present invention is illustrated and described herein withreference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, itwill be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that otherembodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achievelike results. For example, the cleaning device of the present inventionmay clearly be used for cleaning other than golf clubs, etc. All suchequivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to becovered by the following claims.

1. A storage device for a plurality of golf club cleaning devices,comprising: a top portion comprising a first plurality of openings; abottom portion comprising a second plurality of openings; and means forconnecting the top portion and the bottom portion; wherein the firstplurality of openings are sized to receive a spike portion of one of theplurality of golf club cleaning devices; and wherein the secondplurality of openings are sized to receive a tapering tip portion of oneof the plurality of golf club cleaning devices.
 2. The storage device ofclaim 1, further comprising a handle.
 3. The storage device of claim 2,wherein the handle is shaped to receive a tool, wherein the tool is forinstalling each of the plurality of golf club cleaning devices into theground.
 4. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a cover. 5.The storage device of claim 4, wherein the cover comprises: a cover topportion comprising a handle; and a cover bottom portion comprising aplurality of latches operable to lock into a plurality of locks on thecover top portion; wherein the cover top portion is sized to fit overthe top portion, and wherein the cover bottom portion is configured toreceive the bottom portion of the storage device.
 6. The storage deviceof claim 1, wherein the means for connecting comprise a plurality ofrods, wherein each of the plurality of rods comprise metal, and whereineach of the plurality of rods are screwed into the top portion and thebottom portion.
 7. The storage device of claim 1, wherein top portionand the bottom portion comprise plastic.
 8. The storage device of claim1, wherein each of the first plurality of openings and the secondplurality of openings are operable to provide drainage.
 9. The storagedevice of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of golf club cleaningdevices comprise: a cleaning portion comprising one or more cleaningsurfaces disposed concentrically about a central axis; a flag portiondisposed at the top end of the cleaning portion, the flag portioncomprising a gripping means wherein the portable golf club cleaningdevice is gripped; and the spike portion disposed at a bottom end of thecleaning portion substantially opposite the top end of the cleaningportion, the spike portion comprising a support means for supporting theportable golf club cleaning device in an upright manner when depressedinto the ground, and wherein the tapering tip portion is disposed on thespike portion.
 10. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the cleaningportion comprises one of a substantially-conical shaped cleaning portionand a substantially-tapered cleaning portion.
 11. The storage device ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more cleaning surfaces comprise one or moreof natural bristles, synthetic bristles, natural fibers, syntheticfibers, matting materials, weaves, and fabric.
 12. The storage device ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more cleaning surfaces comprise a majorityof the volume of the cleaning portion.
 13. The storage device of claim9, wherein the flag portion comprises one of asubstantially-two-dimensional flag portion having an associated lengthdimension that is substantially greater than an associated widthdimension and a substantially-three-dimensional flag portion having theassociated length dimension that is substantially equal to theassociated width dimension.
 14. The storage device of claim 9, the spikeportion further comprising a collar portion operable to rest on one ofthe first plurality of openings.
 15. The storage device of claim 3,wherein the tool comprises: a handle; a guide spike selectively coupledto the handle; and a hammer attached to the handle.
 16. The storagedevice of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises a first bottomportion, and wherein the storage device further comprises a secondbottom portion connected to the first bottom portion.
 17. A storagedevice for a plurality of flag portions, each of the plurality of flagportions is operable to attach to a top end of a cleaning portion of agolf club cleaning device, comprising: a flat portion comprising aplurality of rods; and a handle disposed to the flat portion; whereineach of the plurality of rods is sized to receive a threaded portion ofone of the plurality of flag portions; and wherein each of the pluralityof flag portions flag portion comprising a gripping means wherein thegolf club cleaning device is gripped.
 18. The storage device of claim17, wherein each of the plurality of flag portions further comprising acollar portion.
 19. The storage device of claim 17, wherein each of theplurality of flag portions comprises a surface configured to receive oneor more of an advertising logo and informational text thereon.
 20. Thestorage device of claim 17, further comprising a cover.